This Meetup is all about Bocce in Backesto Park. It has been a downtown San Jose tradition for decades. When so many Italians emigrated to San Jose, they continued with their tradition of playing bocce by building their own courts in the park near 15th and Jackson. They didn't do any lawn bowling. They built the preferred (and the only legal surface for professional competitive play) crushed oyster shell courts.

If you love playing bocce, live in the downtown San Jose area, and you'd like to have fun, create community, this is the place for you.

Our courts are currently protected within our City's Backesto Park, and it's up to us to be sure they are happily used and maintained. You should join us if you love bocce, and would enjoy the privilege of free play. In exchange, we just ask that you contribute some time to preserving the privilege, like volunteering for "open play" times, helping with organizing events, maintenance, etc.

We'll be holding "open play" times on a regular basis, plus scheduling special fun events. The space is beautifully maintained, and there's a picnic table, plus canvas shades covering two courts and an area to the side for shelter. Food and drink are allowed in the space; just no alcohol. Restrooms are also conveniently adjacent. All ages and abilities welcomed.

"Just posted some pics from our Bocce Sociale mixer on Saturday 3/28. About 30 people attended. We had fun socializing, eating and playing. Check out the photos.
Hope to see more of you from the Meetup group at the next event...."